Professional Doctorate Programmes

PhD in Business (General Management)

SMU's PhD in Business (General Management) offers comprehensive research training in management theory, strategy, and organizational behavior. The program emphasizes innovative research and practical solutions for complex business challenges. Students engage with leading faculty, gaining expertise in management and leadership, and preparing for academic and high-level industry careers.

Doctor of Business Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme targets senior professionals seeking to advance their strategic and leadership skills. It blends rigorous research with practical business applications, focusing on solving complex organizational issues. Students benefit from expert faculty mentorship and a flexible structure, equipping them for executive roles and impactful consultancy.

CKGSB-SMU Doctor of Business Administration

SMU's Doctor of Business Administration programme merges advanced research with practical insights in accounting and finance. Tailored for experienced professionals, it focuses on solving complex financial issues and enhancing strategic decision-making. Students receive mentorship from leading experts and engage in impactful research, preparing for senior leadership roles.

The SJTU-SMU Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is a partnership between SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Management. The programme is designed for scholars and senior management who aspire to pursue practice-driven research with the potential to create business impact. On top of research training, DBA candidates will examine the industrial applications of theory through coursework and develop pedagogical competencies through specialised workshops. Candidates will develop a portfolio of skills required for influencing management practice; conducting applied and field research, and teaching effectively.

The SJTU-SMU Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is a partnership between SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Management. The programme is designed for scholars and senior management who aspire to pursue practice-driven research with the potential to create business impact. On top of research training, DBA candidates will examine the industrial applications of theory through coursework and develop pedagogical competencies through specialised workshops. Candidates will develop a portfolio of skills required for influencing management practice; conducting applied and field research; and teaching effectively.

The SMU-PHBS Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is a rigorous and flexible doctoral pathway designed for senior executives and experienced business leaders seeking to deepen their expertise in business, management, and economics. It offers advanced knowledge and research skills to tackle complex, real-world challenges through applied and field-based inquiry. Grounded in economic thinking, strategic management, and leadership development, the curriculum blends academic depth with practical relevance, with the goal of cultivating pioneering minds and transformative leaders. Its modular structure enables professionals to pursue doctoral studies without interrupting their careers, while also enhancing their capacity to mentor and inspire the next generation. Graduates are prepared to drive innovation, influence policy, and make meaningful contributions across business, government, and academia.

SMU-ZJU Doctor of Business Administration (Accounting and Finance)

SMU's Doctor of Business Administration (Accounting and Finance) programme merges advanced research with practical insights in accounting and finance. Tailored for experienced professionals, it focuses on solving complex financial issues and enhancing strategic decision-making. Students receive mentorship from leading experts and engage in impactful research, preparing for senior leadership roles.

Doctor of Engineering

SMU's Doctor of Engineering programme integrates advanced computing research with practical IT engineering solutions to address real-world complex challenges in AI & Data Science, Human-Machine Collaborative Systems, and Information Systems & Technology. Designed for working professionals to benefit from expert faculty mentorship in practice research, to prepare them for leadership roles in industry and academia.

Doctor of Law and Commercial Governance

SMU's Doctor of Law and Commercial Governance offers a unique blend of advanced legal research training and practical application of legal theories. It not only covers traditional legal research but also integrates legal expertise with contemporary business and industry trends. Through a combination of rigorous academic study and applied, practice-oriented research, it fosters innovative solutions to modern legal challenges. Additionally, it enhances legal management and governance skills, aligning with the evolving demands of the legal landscape and supporting career and personal development.